A lucky grandmother has won the top £1m prize on a National Lottery scratchcard - beating chances of almost one in five million.

Pauline Miller, 66, from Newport, became an instant millionaire after playing the £100m Cash Spectacular Scratchcard which she bought from her local shop, Martins, in Bettws Shopping Centre.

The National Lottery said the chances of winning £1m on a scratchcard is one is 4,983,080.

She now plans to buy the three-bedroom rented home which has been her husband John’s home for the last 48 years.

Pauline, a former cleaner, said: “I nearly fainted when I realised what I had won – I honestly thought I was going to pass out when Michael, my local shopkeeper put my card through the machine. I regularly buy Scratchcards but have only ever won the odd £10 before.

“I have been quite dizzy for days now – I honestly can’t believe my luck. I phoned John and he didn’t believe me at all, then I carried on to meet my sister Susan to go shopping in town, as we had planned.

“She couldn’t believe my news, but we didn’t stay out long as my legs were like jelly. I needed to get home for a cup of tea.”

Pauline, who used to work as chamber maid at The King’s Head Hotel in the city and a cleaner at the Royal Gwent Hospital, and John celebrated their windfall yesterday at the Celtic Manor Resort’s new Hunter Lodges in Newport.

Once they have completed their home improvements, they are planning a big family party.

The couple have four children each, Pauline is one of eight sisters and John, 75, has two brothers and two sisters.

Pauline said: “We wouldn’t dream of moving from here. John has lived here for 48 years and it’s been my home for 24 years. I’ve always dreamed of having French doors and a conservatory at the back and will now top that off with decorating throughout and buying new furniture. I would also like to go back to Benidorm next year – I haven’t been abroad in six years.

“I never thought a win like this would come to someone like me, but I was in the right place at the right time. Everything will be easier now. Instead of worrying about affording to put the gas on we can enjoy ourselves a bit more easily and improve on our already very nice home.”